Chesapeake - Mary Ann Ward, 69, passed away on July 4, 2013.

Mary Ann was born in Jackson, Tennessee, the daughter of the late Willard Dees Ward and Doris Wamble Ward. She graduated from Cradock High School in 1962, from Madison College in 1966, and earned advanced degrees from the College of William and Mary and Old Dominion University. She worked in the Portsmouth Public Schools as a middle school science teacher, science supervisor, and curriculum coordinator. She was a member of Monumental United Methodist Church where she served on the Worship Committee, was chairperson of the Church Council, secretary of the Church Council, played in the Bell Choir, sang in the Cancel Choir, taught Adult Bible Class, and served on the Staff-Parish Committee. She was a Past Matron of Victory Chapter #16, Order of the Eastern Star.

 Survivors include her aunt, Allene Ward; cousins, Barbara Wall, Deborah Bond, Bill Ward and extended family. She is also survived by her adopted grandchildren, Grady Patrick Fitzwater, Hugh Graham Fitzwater, and Mary Barrett Fitzwater.

 A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Monumental United Methodist Church, Portsmouth by Rev. Dabney Walters. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Monumental United Methodist Church, 450 Dinwiddie St., Portsmouth, VA. 23704. Foster Funeral Home, Portsmouth is handling arrangements. Condolences may be registered at www.bwfosterfuneralhome.com..

Published in The Virginian Pilot on July 7, 2013